Ireland is the European island nation that shares a land border with the United Kingdom. The border runs between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, on the island of Ireland.
The modern border was established after the Anglo-Irish Treaty created the Irish Free State in 1922. It stretches for roughly 499 kilometres and crosses roads, fields, rivers, and towns. Because Ireland and the UK share the Common Travel Area, the border has traditionally been open to movement of people.
A common mix-up is confusing Ireland, the island, with the Republic of Ireland, the independent country. The island contains 32 counties: 26 belong to the Republic of Ireland and six form Northern Ireland. Cyprus and Malta are island countries but do not share a land border with the UK, while Iceland has no land border with any country.
Ireland’s capital is Dublin, on the island’s east coast. The border is also significant because it separates an EU member state from the UK, although the two countries maintain close travel and economic links.